I think one thing is overlooked. Children in the 1940 era were a lot tougher than they are today. Most boys would tough it out while being caned and would be frowned upon if they made a great fuss by their peers.
As I said in the ideal world the cane would not be used and it certainly was not the ideal world in 1940. I do agree, that at first site it is not a good start to the day if you have to give one stroke on each hand for being late. I do stress it was one stroke not six. As a rule, one stroke on the hand might make it hard to work for a few minutes but it was assembly directly after this. As to six on the bottom, of course, it hurt and some did cry but not all, and most caning of six was done at the end of school.